Frequently Asked Questions

The Zero Waste Academy (ZWA) is an open online learning platform designed by the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) Asia Pacific and Mother Earth Foundation. The Academy aims to provide accessible and relevant Zero Waste-related courses to participants interested to learn and implement Zero Waste and other waste-management programs and campaigns to their respective cities and communities.

A: Zero Waste Academy Tracks are designed according to a self-paced learning style to accommodate individuals’ working schedules and household responsibilities. Materials and requirements are meant to be consumed and accomplished asynchronously throughout the week. Ideally, students have to dedicate at least one (1)  hour per day to accomplish the weekly requirements.

Participants are also encouraged to participate in live discussions with lecturers, experts,  and co-participants. This live synchronous discussion will be conducted through the Zoom application.

A: The 2023 Asia Pacific Cohort applications for Track 1: Zero Waste Program Implementation are now open.

Click here to apply.

Relevant work experience in waste management and Zero Waste campaigning is preferred but not required. Ideally, participants must have a working knowledge of English, have access to an adequate internet connection for the duration of the Academy, and have access to a laptop/computer/cellphone that can access course materials online. As much as we’d like to have everyone on board, slots are limited to ensure quality course delivery

A: The Zero Waste Academy Tracks follows a modular or “ladderized learning” approach that requires participants to accomplish all current requirements to progress to the next phase. The framework is designed to ensure that participants are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to satisfy the assessment tasks of the next phases.

All tracks have a core phase that covers fundamental concepts on Zero Waste and related topics while the specialization phase tackles tools, techniques, and practical concepts for implementing a Zero Waste program in a city or community. The course culminates in the final phase where participants will prepare major output for their city or community by applying the theories and concepts learned throughout the Track.

Weekly materials and requirements are meant to be consumed and accomplished asynchronously throughout the phases. Participants are also encouraged to participate in live discussions with lecturers, experts, and co-participants. Live synchronous discussions will be conducted through the Zoom application.

A: To accommodate individuals’ working schedules and household responsibilities, participants are allowed to submit requirements until the end of each phase of the course. For example, ALL assessment tasks for the core phase can be submitted on the LAST DAY of the core phase.

A: Yes. The Zero Waste Academy is designed for interactive learning and collaboration. Participants of the Academy can exchange messages, thoughts, and questions with other participants and instructors on the discussion boards, forum pages, and live sessions.

A: Aside from perpetual access to materials and the Zero Waste Academy website, on successful completion of the track, you will receive a certificate of completion and an invite to the Zero Waste Academy alumni network.

A: Since 2017, the Zero Waste Academy has built a diverse and regional network of international graduates hailing from countries such as Albania, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Morocco, the Philippines, South Africa, Taiwan, Tanzania, Tunisia, the USA, and Vietnam. ZWA Alumni are typically Zero Waste practitioners and implementers from NGOs, academic institutions, media, and both local and national government offices.